Head Covering and Hood Garment Device

ABSTRACT

This art disclosed here is relevant to a conventional head covering, typically known as a hood, having a closed top, back and sides and open in the front for the wearers face. A hood is typically attached to a garment. 
     Specifically, this invention is a device, preferably a rust-resistant wire or wire/plastic combination, which is inserted into the front facial drawstring opening of a hood and runs the full length of the front edge, or a portion of, as desired. The ends of the device are coated with plastic, latex, paint, felt or tape to guard against damaging the material of the hood as the device is inserted. However, the coating is optional for the device to be used as intended. 
     When the device is inserted into the drawstring opening of a hood, it creates an improved hood with a stabilized front edge that assists in shielding the wearers face from wind, rain or snow when the hood is positioned on the wearer&#39;s head. The device also keeps the wearer&#39;s field of vision from being obstructed by the edge of the hood sagging down in front of the wearer&#39;s eyes. The device also allows the hood to be shaped to the wearer&#39;s preference. 
     An additional advantage of the device is that it alleviates close contact of the hood on the wearer&#39;s hair thus minimizing damage to a hairstyle. 
     A further advantage is the device is easy for a consumer to insert into most hood garments with a drawstring opening.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to clothing and clothing accessories, in particular to a hood style head covering.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are currently many garments in the apparel industry that have attached or attachable hoods. The garments range from shirts and sweaters all the way to jackets, coats and raincoats.

One ongoing problem with many hoods is that the front edge of the hood sags down exposing the wearer's face to wind, rain or snow and obstructs the wearer's field of vision. When the hood drawstring is cinched tight, the wearer's field of vision is improved; however the wearer's face is still exposed to the elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention allows the consumer to insert the device into the facial drawstring opening in most hoods to stabilize the front and side edges, shaping it to their preference, thus creating an improved, practical hood.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts the wearer with the hood 2 of a garment positioned on their head 6, showing the result of the stabilized edge of the hood 4 with the device FIG. 2 inserted. The hood edge is slightly lifted away from the top of the head 6 and sides of the face 8.

FIG. 2 depicts the wire or wire/plastic combination device 10 having a coating on the ends 12.

FIG. 3 depicts the device 10 in the drawstring channel 20 of a hood head covering 2. The drawstring 16 is also in the drawstring channel 20 along with the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The device consists of a length of rust-resistant wire 10, uncoiled and cut to the desired length. The ends can either be dipped into the coating solution or sprayed with the coating solution 12 and then allowed to dry before recoiling and packaging for the consumer. Those skilled in the art will realize and understand that various types of wire and/or plastic combinations can be used as well as various types of materials to coat the ends of the wire can be used.

The consumer will take the device 10 out of the package and uncoil it, somewhat straightening the device with their hands. The consumer will then insert one end of the device 12 into the opening of the drawstring channel 20 of a hood garment of their choice 2, sliding and working the device through the length of the drawstring channel until centered. The consumer then reshapes the hood to their preference. The consumer, now the wearer, puts the hood in the “up” position to cover their head when additional protection from wind, rain or snow is needed FIG. 1. The hood can be reshaped if desired while wearing. The hood is able to be cleaned as per the garment manufacturers instructions as the device is rust-resistant.

This device can also be distributed to garment manufacturers to preinstall into various types of garments or standalone head coverings, incorporating it into a drawstring channel or a channel specifically designed to hold the device, whether removable or permanent. 

1. A device inserted into the front and side edges of a hood head covering to stabilize the front and sides of a hood.
 2. A device in accordance to claim 1, wherein the materials of the device are comprised of rust-resistant wire, the ends of which are coated with a plastic-type coating to prevent damaging the clothing material.
 3. A device in accordance to claim 1, wherein the materials of the device are comprised of plastic, the ends of which are coated with a plastic-type coating to prevent damaging the clothing material. 4-9. (canceled)
 10. A hood style head-covering in accordance to claim 1, that stands alone and is not attached to a garment. 11-22. (canceled) 